South Africa offers a breathtaking backdrop for an intimate wedding, from sun-drenched vineyards to secluded coastal retreats. Discover a curated selection of small wedding venues in South Africa, perfect for couples dreaming of a personal celebration. Whether you envision a boutique hotel in Cape Town or a private game lodge in the bush, the ideal setting for your close-knit gathering awaits, promising unforgettable moments in a stunning atmosphere.
These smaller venues specialise in creating a cosy and exclusive experience, ensuring every detail of your day is perfectly tailored. With fewer guests, you can focus on what truly matters: celebrating your love with your nearest and dearest. Explore spaces that offer bespoke packages, gourmet dining, and unparalleled service, making your intimate South African wedding a truly unique and cherished event.
Welcome To Luxury
The Royal Elephant experience is shaped by a kingdom, past and present, by royal design and elemental grace, by the symbols and smells, the colours, echoes and reflections of Morocco & North Africa.
Say your I do’s at our unique bush wedding venue. If the bushveld runs in your blood, iNsingizi is the perfect backdrop for the most special day of your life.
Make the most important day in your lives together even better than you imagined, in the serene natural surroundings at Ivory Tree Game Lodge. Come and host the wedding of your dreams in the beating heart of the bushveld, in award-winning luxury you’
Celebrate your special moments at Paternoster Lodge, where our event space are crafted to turn your occasions into lasting memories. By the Atlantic Ocean, our versatile venue offers a cozy backdrop for weddings.
A wedding at Hippo Hollow, situated on the banks of the Sabie River, promises to be a memorable affair and offers the bride, the groom and their guests a truly life changing experience.
HOYOHOYO WEDDINGS, Your wedding is one of the most memorable days of your life. In a perfect place to promise your love to someone. And it is so much more than just a day.
No adventure is greater than the one you start with the one you love. The perfect step-off point is the gracious elegance we offer you at the magnificent 4 star family-owned Cathedral Peak Hotel to celebrate your wedding.
Say ‘I do’ at Afrique Wedding Venue in Boksburg near Johannesburg. Our East Rand boutique hotel and intimate wedding venue offers a unique blend of Cape Dutch architecture and rustic elegance.
Magnolia Restaurant is a stunning wedding reception venue, seating up to 150 people, and is included in our Reception Package, along with square tables, chairs, standard crockery, cutlery and staff.
We are the perfect location for any couple looking to have an intimate bush destination wedding. Our breath-taking views, excellent service and five star catering ensure an unforgettable experience.
With a backdrop of Saldanha bay, undisturbed beaches and quiet surroundings, Blue Bay Lodge and Resort is the epitome of romance – the perfect location for your wedding celebration.
We cater for all kinds of weddings on or off our premises. We can accommodate groups of up to 80 in our restaurant for your wedding in a cosy corner of our gardens.
THE ART OF A KAROO ART WEDDING; Own the hotel. Have it all to yourselves, maybe for days. Revel in its originality and all the opportunities of the village around you. Create a wedding as unique as you are.
Celebrate your happily-ever-after in style at The Westin Cape Town. Featuring upscale décor and spacious layouts, the hotel provides sophisticated backdrops for your wedding ceremony and banquet hall reception, located in the heart of Cape Town.
South Africa's diverse landscapes offer unique settings for a smaller celebration.
Winelands Wonders: Boutique wine estates in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek provide romantic, exclusive settings.
Coastal Charms: Secluded beach lodges along the Garden Route or West Coast offer breathtaking ocean views.
Bushveld Bliss: Private game reserves and luxury safari lodges create an unforgettable backdrop for your vows.
City Chic: Stylish boutique hotels and private villas in Cape Town or Johannesburg offer modern elegance.
Planning Your Day:
Legalities: To marry in South Africa, you'll need valid passports and, if applicable, divorce decrees. You must have two witnesses present. Many venues offer assistance with the paperwork.
Guest Lists: An intimate wedding (typically under 50 guests) allows for more personalised experiences and a bigger budget per head.
Suppliers: Focus on suppliers who specialise in smaller, bespoke events to enhance the personal feel of your day.
Venue hire for an intimate wedding in South Africa can vary widely based on location and exclusivity.
Dry Hire: Expect to pay from R20,000 to R60,000 for exclusive use of a smaller venue space, without catering or extras.
Package Deals: All-inclusive packages for 20-50 guests can range from R80,000 to R250,000+, often including catering and basic decor.
Mid-week Savings: Booking your intimate celebration on a weekday can often lead to significant cost reductions.
Budgeting Tips for Intimate Weddings:
Prioritise Spending: With fewer guests, you can allocate more budget to elements that matter most, like gourmet food or incredible photography.
All-Inclusive Venues: These can be more cost-effective as they bundle services and reduce the need to hire multiple vendors.
Hidden Costs: Always ask about potential extra costs like service fees, gratuities, and charges for bringing in your own suppliers.
South Africa's climate varies by region, so picking the right season is key.
Western Cape (e.g., Cape Town): Best from November to March for warm, dry summer days.
Gauteng (e.g., Johannesburg): Enjoys dry, sunny winters and warm summers with afternoon thunderstorms.
KwaZulu-Natal Coast: Humid and subtropical year-round, with hot summers and mild, dry winters.
Seasonal Considerations:
Summer (Dec-Feb): Peak season. Perfect for outdoor ceremonies, but have a backup plan for rain or wind.
Autumn (Mar-May): Often considered the best time, with mild temperatures and beautiful colours.
Winter (Jun-Aug): Great for finding venue deals and enjoying cosy, fireplace settings. Ideal for safari weddings.
Spring (Sep-Nov): Wildflower season in the Western Cape provides a stunning natural backdrop.
Ensuring your guests can travel easily is important for a destination wedding.
Major Airports: O.R. Tambo (Johannesburg), Cape Town International, and King Shaka (Durban) are the main international hubs.
Getting Around: Renting cars is the most common way to travel between cities and to venues outside urban centres.
Local Transport: Ride-sharing services are widely available in major cities for local trips.
Accommodation for Small Groups:
Venue Stays: Many intimate venues, like private villas or lodges, offer exclusive-use accommodation for your entire guest list.
Boutique Hotels: Recommend nearby boutique hotels or guesthouses that offer a personalised experience.
Group Bookings: Enquire about block-booking discounts at nearby hotels, even for a smaller number of rooms.
FAQ's
What is considered a 'small' or 'intimate' wedding in South Africa?
Generally, an intimate wedding in South Africa hosts 50 guests or fewer. This size allows for a more personal experience and often opens up unique venue possibilities that can't accommodate larger crowds, such as boutique hotels, private villas, or exclusive-use safari lodges.
Do I need a wedding planner for a small wedding in South Africa?
While not essential, a planner can be invaluable, especially for a destination wedding. They have local knowledge, supplier connections, and can manage legalities, allowing you to enjoy the planning process. For a smaller wedding, some planners offer partial planning or day-of coordination services.
What are the legal requirements for getting married in South Africa as a non-resident?
Foreign nationals can legally marry in South Africa. You will need to present your valid passports and a BI-31 form (Declaration for the Purpose of Marriage). If either party has been divorced or widowed, the final decree of divorce or death certificate is required. All documents not in English must be officially translated.
Are there noise restrictions at intimate venues I should be aware of?
Yes, most venues, especially those in residential areas or nature reserves, have noise policies and curfews, typically around 10 PM or 11 PM. It's crucial to discuss this with your venue beforehand to ensure it aligns with your entertainment plans for the evening.
Can I have an outdoor ceremony at a small venue in South Africa?
Absolutely. South Africa's stunning scenery makes it perfect for outdoor ceremonies. However, the weather can be unpredictable. Always ensure your chosen venue has a suitable and equally beautiful indoor alternative or a marquee option as a contingency plan.
How far in advance should I book an intimate wedding venue?
Even for a smaller wedding, it's wise to book your venue 9-12 months in advance, especially if you're getting married during the popular summer season (December-February) or on a weekend. Highly sought-after intimate venues can get booked up quickly.
